After the plan failed, the day slipped into a quiet evening. Dr. Emerin and Mrs. Emerin stayed in their bedroom, talking softly. Mrs. Emerin then called Aurelia to help her in the kitchen, preparing supper for everyone.
While they were cooking, Dragan sat alone in his room, lost in thought. His mind was still spinning from everything that had happened earlier ;especially the unexpected kiss.
Later that night, they all gathered for a simple family dinner. The air felt tense but warm, as if everyone was trying to act normal despite the emotions running underneath.
After dinner, they went back to their rooms. The house slowly grew quiet. Dragan returned to his room and sat on his special anti-gravity chair, reviewing his research on sickle cell anemia. He was focused but clearly troubled.
A little while later, Aurelia walked into his room carrying a small tray of supper ; leftover noodles and fruit. She set it on the small table and sat carefully on the edge of his bed.
"You didn't eat much at dinner," she said softly.
Dragan looked up, surprised, then gave a tired smile. "I wasn't really hungry… My mind was somewhere else."
She nudged the tray closer to him. "You should eat something. You can't keep working without food."
Dragan sighed and finally took a bite. "Thanks," he mumbled between small mouthfuls.
Aurelia watched him closely, her fingers twisting in her lap. "Dragan… about earlier… I don't know what came over me. I just..."
He set the fork down, his eyes serious now. "I know, Aurelia. But we need to stop this. I need to focus on my work. And… you're promised to the prince. You shouldn't be here like this."
She looked away, her eyes shining. "Why do you keep saying that? I know about the prince, but… my heart doesn't listen to promises."
Dragan got up from his chair and sat beside her on the bed. "Because it's the truth. You have a future that was decided for you. You're not supposed to be tangled up with someone like me."
Aurelia's voice dropped to a whisper. "But what if… what if I want to choose my own future?"
There was a heavy silence. Dragan reached for her hand but then pulled back, as if afraid of what might happen.
He changed the subject quickly, trying to calm the storm between them. He pulled out his research papers. "Look, let me show you what I've been working on today. The progress is good , if we keep this up, we might really find a treatment."
Aurelia wiped her eyes and moved closer, trying to focus on the papers. "You've done so much already… You're amazing, Dragan."
He gave a small laugh. "Not amazing. Just… stubborn."
She giggled softly, their tension easing for a moment.
Then her thoughts started swirling again. How did he even know I was promised to the prince? she wondered, her heart aching. I love them both. But… for the prince, maybe it's duty. With Dragan… it feels real. It feels alive.
Dragan looked at her, studying her face. "Aurelia… I can't make this choice for you. But I can't lose myself in this, either. I have to finish this work."She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I know… but I don't know how to let go."
He stayed quiet, staring at his research spread out before them, his mind lost somewhere between love and duty, science and heart.